Taking Your Cat to the Vet

Tag Archives: health symptoms in cats

August 22nd is Take Your Cat To The Vet Day! We know, given the choice, Fluffy would much rather celebrate Hug Your Cat Day or Give Your Kitty Catnip Day. However, regardless of your furball’s opinion on the matter, your pet will be much healthier with regular veterinary care. A Norwalk, CA vet discusses taking your kitty to the vet in this article.

Your Cat’s Veterinary Care Needs

Your cat’s exact veterinary care needs will depend on her age, weight, breed, and health. That said, we strongly recommend that all kitties be microchipped, spayed or neutered, and kept current with their exams, vaccinations, and parasite control products. Kittens will need to come in a few times during that first year. Then, when your feline companion is fully grown, she may only need to visit us once or twice a year. When Fluffy reaches her senior years, your vet may recommend more frequent appointments, especially if she develops health problems. No matter how old your furry buddy is, feel free to ask for tips on your furball’s diet and care needs.

Emergency Visits

Just like any other pet, cats are susceptible to illness and injury. Keep an eye out for signs that something isn’t right. Some common ones include hiding, poor grooming, vomiting, diarrhea, sudden weight gain or loss, and fever. There are also behavioral clues to watch for, such as grumpiness, unusual vocalizations, and uncharacteristic behavior. Call your vet right away if you notice any of these warning signs. Cats often try to hide signs of illness, so Fluffy could be quite ill by the time you notice anything is wrong!

The Dreaded Car Ride

Most cats aren’t exactly fond of car rides. In fact, Fluffy may bolt for her favorite hiding place as soon as she sees her carrier. Put soft bedding and a few toys into the carrier to make it comfy for Fluffy. Keeping a window cracked, so that there is always fresh air circulating, will help keep your kitty more comfortable. Also, avoid sharp turns, bumpy roads, and sudden stops and starts. If your furry pal gets extremely frightened in the car, ask your vet for tips on using cat-calming products, like treats or sprays.

Please reach out to us, your Norwalk, CA vet clinic, for all of your kitty’s veterinary care needs. We are dedicated to providing great care!

Cats are certainly mysterious little furballs. We may never entirely figure out Fluffy’s box obsession, or learn why she is so sleepy. Kitties are also quite secretive when they don’t feel well. In fact, they often try to hide signs of illness. This is because, in the wild, predators pay very close attention to animals that are weak or sick. It’s important to pay close attention to your cat, and watch for signs of illness. Otherwise you may not notice she is sick until she’s quite ill. Here, a Downey, CA vet lists some signs of sickness in cats.

Hiding

Cats love to explore nooks and crannies. It really isn’t unusual for Fluffy to take a nap under the bed. However, if your kitty doesn’t want to leave her hiding spot, she could be sick.

Poor Grooming

Fluffy is usually very dedicated to her beauty regime, and will spend hours each day carefully grooming herself. If your kitty isn’t feeling well, she may not be up to her usual regimen. It won’t take long for her fur to show the neglect.

Tummy Trouble

The occasional hairball is, unfortunately, more or less par for the course with cats. However, frequent or violent vomiting is a sign that something is wrong. Diarrhea and constipation are also red flags.

Uncharacteristic Behavior

Kitties all have their own purrsonalities. Some are friendly and calm, while others are more reserved. Sudden changes in the way your cat acts or meows can be a sign that she is sick. For example, a kitty that is usually aloof, but suddenly starts demanding attention, may be ill.

Litterbox Issues

Litterbox trouble is another sign of illness in cats. If you see your furball straining, call your vet immediately: this is a serious red flag!

Respiratory Issues

Coughing, wheezing, and gasping can all be indications of sickness in kitties. The occasional sneeze may not be anything to worry about, but constant sneezing is sign that something is wrong.

Change In Appetite

Fluffy can be a bit of a picky eater, but even if she doesn’t like what you put in her bowl, she should meow to demand something else. A furball that is not interested in food may be ill.

Please feel free to contact us, your local Downey, CA pet hospital, for all of your cat’s veterinary care needs. We are here to help!